Anti-Racism and AATE

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE FULL AATE ANTI-RACISM PLAN

AATE's Anti-Racism/Racial Equity Statement

AATE believes that theatre and theatre education is stronger and enhanced because of the inclusion of the voices, perspectives, and experiences of people who have been left out. If you represent what is known as “diverse” we wholeheartedly want to theatrically imagine and theatrically educate with you. We long for more participation of people who have been marginalized, oppressed or targeted because of race, socioeconomic class, color, national origin, religion, diverse perspectives, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, neurological or physical ability, veteran status, legal status, or education level.

Director's Statement

AATE embarked on a journey of reflection a year ago, to look at how we MIGHT HAVE contributed to racist ideologies and practices. I, a woman of color, the Executive Director of this organization have found our work on becoming an anti-racist organization inspiring and personally rewarding. I am so encouraged to see the organization begin to shift and make change through the cultivation of spaces and programming for the BIPOC/GM community within AATE. I have learned so much from the hard conversations and have enjoyed inviting in and listening to new voices in our Community. AATE has always been about Community and I am inspired to see it begin to reflect what a well-rounded and whole community should be.

   - Alexis Truitt, Executive Director of AATE

Indigenous Peoples’ Land Recognition

Since our activities are shared digitally to the internet, let's also take a moment to consider the legacy of colonization embedded within the technologies, structure, and ways of thinking we use every day. We are using equipment and high-speed internet not available in many Indigenous communities. Even the technologies that are central to much of the art we make leaves significant carbon footprints, contributing to changing climates that disproportionately affect Indigenous peoples worldwide. I invite you to join me in acknowledging all this as well as our shared responsibility: to make good of this time, and for each of us to consider our roles in reconciliation, decolonization, and allyship.

 

Anti-Racism Agreement for Members, Partners, & Stakeholders

1) Welcome everyone to show up as they are. Bring to our rooms what we know, believe, and practice. The more unique, the better. 
2) Stories stay, understandings are shared outside of this space. 
3) Assume goodwill, but remember that intent does not equal impact. We hold ourselves accountable for how words and actions are received. 
4) Listen to learn. We aim to remain nimble and open to processing new points of view, news, and any other contextual changes. 
5) Acknowledge that equity and privilege is about power.  Recognizing our own power and privilege provides us the opportunity to uplift other marginalized voices, though only as they define them.
6) Anti-Racism is at the core of our work. In this space, we confront inequities. 

 

Incident Reporting

If you have experienced or witnessed racism, harassment, or discrimination at AATE, please fill out our Racism Incident Report as soon as possible. Reports can be completed online, emailed to us, or mailed to 700 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Washington, DC 20003.

Click HERE to submit an online report. Click HERE to download a printable report/doc to email.